Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa under the Global Business Mobility (GMB) route enables multinational companies to transfer senior managers or specialist workers to the UK. This visa route is a strategic option for businesses aiming to enhance or establish their operations and work assignments in the UK.
Everything You Need to Know About UK Global Business Mobility Visas
Overview of The Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker Visa Route
The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa is one of the Global Business Mobility routes designed to accommodate various needs of international businesses. Under this visa, eligible employees can bring their expertise to the UK to contribute to their employers’ corporate goals.
This route facilitates multinational companies’ transfers of senior managers and specialist employees into the UK. It is particularly beneficial for businesses that want to deploy critical staff on key projects within the UK, thus supporting the broader strategic objectives of the business.
Introduced on 11 April 2022, the GBM Senior or Specialist Worker Visa came into effect as a modern replacement for the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa, aligning with the UK’s points-based immigration system.
There is no immediate change for current ICT visa holders already in the UK; their visas will remain valid until the expiry date, allowing for a seamless transition to the new system.
the Global Business Mobility Visa routes
Who Can Sponsor Senior or Specialist Workers?
To sponsor senior managers or specialist employees from outside the UK through the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, UK-based organisations need a sponsor licence specifically for this visa route.
This licence is a prerequisite for lawfully employing individuals transferred from overseas locations within the company’s global operations. Obtaining this licence signifies that the employer has met all necessary compliance and eligibility requirements set by UKVI.
Once the licence is granted, the sponsoring organisation can allocate a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the individual they wish to bring to the UK. This certificate enables prospective employees to apply for the visa, allowing them to legally enter and work in the UK under the specified conditions of this route.
general requirements
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa Requirements
For the GBM senior or specialist worker route, applicants must meet specific criteria set forth by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). These requirements ensure that only qualified individuals who bring significant value to the UK economy can utilise this route.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Points-Based Criteria
The visa operates on a points-based system, where the overseas worker applicant needs to accumulate 60 points, distributed equally across sponsorship, skill, and salary requirements:
- Sponsorship: The worker must possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by a UK sponsor authorised by the Home Office. This sponsor must be linked to the applicant’s current overseas employer.
- Skill Level: The job role in the UK should be genuine and fit the minimum skill level required for senior or specialist workers.
- Salary Requirement: The offered salary must meet or exceed £48,500 annually or the ‘going rate’ for the occupation, whichever is greater. The position must be in the directory of eligible occupations.
Employment History
Most applicants, except those considered high earners (earning at least £73,900 annually), must have worked for the sponsoring business’s linked overseas entity for at least 12 months. High earners are exempt from this duration requirement but must still be currently employed by an overseas business linked to the UK sponsor.
Financial Requirement
Applicants need to demonstrate financial stability by either showing proof of personal savings of at least £1,270 or having their UK sponsor ensure their maintenance and accommodation for at least one month after they arrive in the UK.
TB Test
Applicants from certain countries must provide a tuberculosis test certificate confirming their health status as part of the immigration requirements.
Senior or Specialist Workers Visa Route Application Process
The application process for a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa involves several structured steps, starting with obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an authorised UK sponsor. This certificate should detail the role, expected salary, and the employment period in the UK.
Applicants must fill out an online application form with specified personal details and employment information. They must then pay the visa fee and the IHS fee, which allows them entry to the UK’s National Health Service during their stay.
After these steps, applicants will schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to submit biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph), and any demanded supporting documents, such as proof of financial means and qualifications.
Global Mobility Sponsor Licence Requirements
Fees of the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
Applying for a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa involves several fees, varying based on whether the application is made from overseas or within the UK.
Charges Applicant Need to Pay
For applications from outside the UK, the cost is £719 for visas valid for up to three years and £1,420 for visas extending beyond three years.
For those applying from within the UK, either to switch to this visa route or to extend their stay, the fee is £827 for up to three years and £1,636 for longer periods. Applicants also require disbursing the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee, which is £1,035 per year.
Charges for Sponsoring Organisation
Sponsoring organisations also incur additional costs. The business or organisation must first apply for a sponsorship licence to sponsor senior or specialist workers. The fee for this licence depends on the size and type of the organisation: £574 for small or charitable organisations and £1,579 for medium or large organisations.
Once the sponsorship licence is obtained, the organisation must pay £239 for each Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) they assign to a migrant worker.
The sponsor also needs to pay the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC). For small or charitable organisations, the ISC is £364 for the first 12 months and an extra £182 for each subsequent six-month period. For medium or large organisations, the ISC is £1,000 for the first 12 months and £500 for each further six months.
Processing Time and Application Fee
How Long Can You Stay Under This Global Business Mobility Route?
The duration of stay in visa is either the duration set on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus an extra 14 days or, at most, five years, whichever is shorter. Holders of this visa can apply for extensions or subsequent visas as often as necessary, provided they do not exceed the maximum allowable total stay.
For individuals earning less than £73,900 annually, the maximum total stay permitted under this visa category is five years within any six-year period. For those earning £73,900 or more annually, the limit extends to nine years within any ten-year period.
.
get expert advice from sponsor licence lawyers
Legal Help with your application
Let Us Help
It’s often challenging to manage the complexities of the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa process without expert guidance. Our team of experienced Business Immigration Lawyers is here to streamline this process for you.
From obtaining your sponsorship licence to ensuring your employee’s application is flawless, we provide comprehensive support. We are dedicated to assisting you every step of the way, ensuring that both the sponsor licence and visa application are successful and stress-free.
Contact us today to enhance your global business mobility strategy and make your transition as smooth as possible.
You Ask, We Answer
FAQs
500+
Successful Applications
How can we help?
If you are considering applying for a sponsor licence or work visa, please contact us for advice and assistance.